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arXiv · 2609.02044

Rydberg-atom microwave angle-of-arrival detection via cylindrical vapor-cell-mediated field redistribution

Peicheng Liu·Xingchen Hu·Yong Gao·Ao-Lin Guo·Yuan Ren·Hao Wu
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Abstract

Microwave angle-of-arrival(AoA) measurement is essential for radar, communication, and spectrum mon-itoring. Existing Rydberg-atom-based AoA schemes employ phase-difference measurements with local oscil-lators, standing-wave fluorescence imaging, or amplitude-ratio readout with internal metal reflectors. Here we demonstrate a new approach: a cylindrical glass vapor cell serving directly as an angle-encoding dielectric structure, eliminating the need for multiple apertures, local oscillators, or imaging optics. The cylindrical geometry produces angle-dependent reflection and field redistribution, mapping the incident AoA onto the effective microwave field sampled by the Rydberg ensemble. This effective field is read out optically via the Autler-Townes(A-T) splitting in the electromagnetically induced transparency(EIT) spectrum. Full-wave simulations and experiments at 11.64 GHz confirm a deterministic, geometry-mediated response over 0{\deg}-90{\deg}.Over the monotonic operating range(55{\deg}-125{\deg}), the angular resolution(minimum distinguishable increment)is 0.05{\deg}, and the angular accuracy(RMSE of repeated measurements) is 0.13{\deg} across the full range, improving to 0.05{\deg} in the optimal region(65{\deg}-115{\deg}). Occupying a sensing volume of~2.5 cm3, this method offers a compact, single-sensor pathway toward Rydberg AoA receivers.

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Peicheng Liu, Xingchen Hu, Yong Gao, Ao-Lin Guo, Yuan Ren, Hao Wu. 2026-09-02. Rydberg-atom microwave angle-of-arrival detection via cylindrical vapor-cell-mediated field redistribution. https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.02044

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